According to Sergi Boleda, technician of Agroilla, greenhouse growing has many advantages, as the product is protected from adverse weather conditions, allowing for superior organoleptic qualities, especially in terms of colour and shape.
It is clear that the Mediterranean climate is different to that in the Peninsula, so the firm uses varieties adequate for those conditions, better adapted to the moisture levels, which are higher. They consequently use remontant varieties, such as the Diamante or the Scape.
Although the plantations produce strawberries all year long, the production's peak takes place between May and October, coinciding with the islands' most touristic period and the end of Huelva's strawberry campaign.
"At the moment, Agroilla's production goes exclusively to the Balearic market, which is logistically advantageous and guarantees maximum freshness. As a product devoted to the local market, the timespan between harvest and consumption is reduced, and taking into account the summer's high temperatures, this has a direct influence on the fruit's quality," explains Antonio García, of Agroilla's commercial department. Furthermore, "we have a very important floating population, so we ensure considerable business volumes considering the type of clients who visit us," he adds.
According to Antonio, Mallorca's strawberries have a high added value and an exclusivity that attracts tourists looking for unique, autochthonous products. "Mallorca's strawberries are perhaps not well-recognised in the Peninsula, but they are truly appreciated by tourists, who perceive their value as local products produced in a traditional and ancestral manner, and served fresh, from the fields straight to the table."
In any case, Agroilla's long term plans include entering the export market. "We are aware of our crop extension limitations, so we have plans to sign contracts with plantations in the Peninsula to be able to expand and make our products available overseas," he explains.
Agroilla's strawberries are packed loose, in 2 or 4 Kg and 500 gram containers, always under the brand "Fresa de Manacor", and sold mainly to hospitality chains.
For more information:
Antonio García
Agroilla SAT
C/ Cardenal Rossell s/n
Palma de Mallorca, Baleares. Spain. (Mercapalma)
T: +34 971 264 015
M: +34 661201252
[email protected]
www.agroilla.com
